A search for great potential

Mar 24 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

THE search for the North East’s top new businesses has started.

The HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, now in their eighth year, are looking for entries from firms that have been in business less than three years.

The top 10 entries from the North East will go forward to the national final, where they will compete against enterprises from five other regions.

The national winner will receive a cheque for £50,000 and £5,000 will be awarded to the most environmentally aware enterprise. Internet search engine Google – an award sponsor – is also offering £5,000 of AdWords advertising to the businesses that scoop these two awards and £2,500 to runners-up.

HSBC head of business banking Huw Morgan said: “There is no such thing as too new or too small in these awards, as long as the entrepreneurs can demonstrate potential for greatness.

“It is these inspirational people that make Start-Up Stars so special – they’ve all had a dream and crucially, the conviction and talent to turn that dream into a reality.”

Minister for Business and Competitiveness Shriti Vadera said: “Successful start-ups are essential to the UK meeting the challenges of today’s globally competitive market.

“Small and growth businesses are an important source of innovation, competition and new ideas, and of course help create new jobs.”

Hexham’s SA Utilities reached the final 10 in the national final last year. The business, run by Stephen Willey and Andy Powell, specialises in the installation, replacement and refurbishment of water pipes.

Mr Powell said: “It gave us the ability to network with other people in the final and see how they did business. We met quite a few people associated with the awards that have helped us and shown an interest.

“We’ve had a management consultant come along on the back of that. People have offered their services to help the business.”

Closing date for entries is Friday, May 16. Entry forms are available from HSBC branches, online at www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk or by telephoning 0800 085-3471.